Sideways
For those who like wine

// The skinny: A has-been actor and his unaccomplished writing buddy go on a last hurrah in the Napa Valley before one of them gets married.

// Review: Although wine is almost a character in this movie, it's not about wine. But this film seems to be targeted at those who would appreciate a fine pinot: old. I'm talking late 30's. It's one last road trip to sow some wild oats where the groom-to-be (Church), cuts a little too loose with a girl (Oh) who is a little too loose. Meanwhile the every man sensative loser type (Giamatti) plays it too safe with a woman that's clearly out of his league but is somehow interested.

/ This movie got insane buzz and seemed to be the fashionable pick for every award to the point where it really lost its art house indie feel. The performances were all really good. Seems like Giamatti has played the same character his last 3 movies, but he is really really good at it. Virginia Madsen was good too, but it felt like she got an Oscar nod base on one scene. Church reminded me of his Lowell character on Wings 10 years grown up, and does Sandra Oh get this part and later on Grey's Anatomy if she wasn't married to t he director? They needed a much hotter girl for her role. Now this puzzled me: She's Asian, her daughter is black, but her mother (in-law?) is white? They must be Tiger Woods's ancestors.

/ The aspect of the movie I enjoyed the most was to see Giamatti's character struggle with doubt in his ability as a writer and as a man. He is unable to get over his failed marriage at the expense of a potential relationship with Virginia Madsen (who looks fantastic at 42). But during his time of rediscovery he remains a loyal friend and passionate about his love for wine.

// Wrap up: Don't buy into the hype. This film wasn't awesome but it was nice like the quaint little picnic they shared as the sun was setting.

Entertainment rating: 3